Lionesses call up 48 players for Africa Cup alignment camp

Mwamba's Maureen Chebet /HANDOUT 

Kenya Lionesses have called up 48 players for an alignment camp as preparations begin for the upcoming Rugby Africa Women’s Cup set for May in Madagascar.

The alignment camp is designed to introduce players to the national team systems, set expectations and establish the tone for national duty before the players return to their respective clubs for the ongoing Kenya Cup Women’s League. The selected players will later regroup in April when the team officially begins preparations for the continental tournament.

Speaking during the training session, Lionesses head coach Simon Odongo noted that the current squad features a large pool of young players, most aged between 17 and 23.

He explained that the group brings versatility and fresh energy that will complement the experience of previously retained players within the national setup.

“We are in a World Cup cycle for the next four years, and we need to identify and upskill players who can lead us to qualification for the big tournament in 2029,” said Odongo.

He underscored the importance of the alignment camp, noting that it offers the technical bench an opportunity to assess the players while preparing them for national duty. “We have about a month and a half, and we are looking at the possibility of holding more training camps before we go to the tournament to ensure we are ready to fire on all cylinders,” he added.

Odongo also emphasised that the call-up should motivate the players to maintain strong performances once they return to their clubs. “We will allow all the players to put their hands up in training. The call-up should also remind them that they remain on the national team radar even when they go back to their clubs,” he noted.

The Lionesses will be aiming to reclaim the continental crown after finishing runners-up in both 2024 and 2025. During last year’s championship, Kenya defeated hosts Madagascar 28-5 and thrashed Uganda 47-0 before falling 19-12 to South Africa in the decisive clash.

Provisional squad: Knight Otwoma, Cecilia Kongo, Edith Sitati, Esther Juma, Vanessa Mwuara, Ann Njeri, Lydia Nasambu (Impala); Melody Kamau, Naomi Muhanji, Tracy Osicho, Sandra Oduor, Maria Goretti, Doris Kimani, Maxine Abuga, Milka Chitechi, Deleon Indombo, Angel Salamba, Lovina Mijere, Getrude Ambeyi, Gloria Kifano (Harlequins); Natasha Emali, Madonna Onyango, Staycy Atieno, Jane Chanya, Naomi Jelagat, Claudia Muhavi, Yvonne Khatundu, Beatrice Osimbo, Irene Apiyo, Celestine Awino, Mercy Khatenje, Christabel Wafula, Eunice Obadia, Brenda Kageha (Mwamba); Melanie Atieno, Valentine Otieno, Diana Mideva, Agnes Mbone, Doreen Arun, Faith Achieng, Josephine Moraa, Atieno Otieno (Northern Suburbs); Sheila Wesa, Kecinta Musakali, Yvonne Nambia and Nelvine Nafula (NYS).